Target: Ramon Laguarta, CEO of PepsiCo, Inc.
Goal: Hold PepsiCo accountable for allegedly allowing animal cruelty and demand an immediate shift to bull-free sugar in its supply chain.
The operations of PepsiCo, Inc. have come under scrutiny due to serious allegations regarding the treatment of bulls in the sugarcane industry in India, linked to its bottling partner. Reports indicate that these bulls are subjected to brutal treatment, forced to pull carts illegally overloaded with up to four tons of sugarcane. Allegations of violent beatings with sticks and whips, as well as painful restraints like barbed-wire spikes and nose ropes, paint a harrowing picture. This situation raises critical questions about the ethical implications of PepsiCo’s partnerships and its responsibility towards animal welfare.
Bulls are allegedly not only subjected to extreme labor but are also denied basic needs, working for long hours under oppressive conditions without adequate rest or water. Such practices can lead to severe injuries, exhaustion, and in some cases, death. Despite PepsiCo’s own Global Policy on Animal Welfare that emphasizes compassionate treatment of animals, reports suggest a glaring inconsistency between their stated values and the actual practices occurring within their supply chain. The company’s attempts to block a shareholder resolution aimed at addressing these issues further highlight a troubling lack of transparency and accountability concerning animal welfare.
Demanding immediate action is essential not only to protect the bulls but also to bring attention to the broader implications of such practices within the sugar industry. Transitioning to modern eco-tractors offers a viable solution that can alleviate the suffering of these animals while promoting better livelihoods for workers. The petition aims to urge PepsiCo to reevaluate its partnership practices and commit to sourcing only bull-free sugar to ensure that animal welfare is prioritized in all aspects of its operations.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear CEO Laguarta,
The recent revelations regarding the alleged abuse of bulls in India’s sugarcane industry, which supplies sugar for your products, are deeply troubling. Bulls have reportedly endured horrific treatment, such as being violently beaten and forced to pull heavy loads, leading to their severe suffering and even death. This is unacceptable and, if true, is a clear violation of the ethical standards PepsiCo claims to uphold regarding animal welfare.
According to reports, these bulls are subjected to long hours of hard labor under extreme conditions, while handlers use cruel methods of control including barbed-wire spikes and excessive restraints. The stark contrast between your company’s stated Global Policy on Animal Welfare and these reported realities is alarming. Attempts to block shareholder resolutions seeking transparency only exacerbate the concern regarding how animal welfare is managed within your supply chain.
We call upon you to take immediate action by ensuring that PepsiCo sources only bull-free sugar. Committing to eco-friendly alternatives not only spares animals from unnecessary suffering but also supports ethical treatment throughout the supply chain. Until this commitment is made, we, as concerned consumers, will be forced to reconsider our business with PepsiCo.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
